In 1962, Verda Freeman Welcome became the first Black woman elected to a State Senate. Later, she became the legislative backer for the United States’ first ethnic commission, the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC). In celebration of the MCAAHC’s 50th Anniversary we are launching a new exhibition, Verda’s Place: An Homage to a Valiant Woman.

This cafe-themed exhibition is a direct response to places where Verda Welcome was unwelcome. Through memorabilia, photographs, and archival documents, Verda’s Place encourages interaction and participation to move beyond the exhibition space and into the communities of those who visit. Come learn more about this valiant woman and her politics as we launch this new, interactive exhibition.

The Laurence Hurst Anniversary Show – Curated from his personal collection, Laurence Hurst puts his talent on full display while weaving in the history of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture. In celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, we proudly present the Laurence Hurst Anniversary Show and the Songs of the Caged Bird exhibition.

Exhibition Catalogue

Songs of the Caged Bird – This thought provoking exhibit features works from Maryland based African American artists including: Daniel Brooking, Lilian Burwell, Joseph Edwards, Diane English, T.H. Gomillion, Amber Robles-Gordon, David Allen Harris, Aziza Hunter, Esther Iverem, Ulysses Marshall, Ida Mitchell, Greta McGill, Rufus Norman, Betty Murchison, Tony Spencer, and Kamala Subramanian.